Colombian Photographer Receives Death Threats During Presidential Election

Colombian photographer and content creator Sebastián Moreno received death threats during the 2026 Colombian presidential elections after a video of him was taken out of context and social media users assumed his political affiliation based on his Instagram follows. Moreno stated that the threats escalated from online harassment to direct messages against his life and his family. The controversy began when some internet users noticed he followed candidate Abelardo de la Espriella on Instagram and concluded he would vote for him. In a video published on July 1, 2026, Moreno clarified he did not intend to endorse any candidate and condemned the threats. The incident highlights the dangerous intersection of social media speculation, political polarization, and real-world violence during high-stakes elections in Colombia.

Global Impact

Politically, the death threats against a public figure during a presidential election in Colombia reflect deepening societal divisions and the weaponization of social media for political intimidation. This could deter civic participation and free expression, weakening democratic norms.